While Jane juggles the mental load required to wrangle her family away on a trip around rural Australia,
she dreams of fourteen weeks where every day is Saturday.
Yet she is also terrified.
To her frustration, the road proves no escape from the grind.
Parenting challenges are compounded, camp toilets need digging,
and she must pack the car again and again like a reluctant Tetris master.
Seeking courage, Jane is drawn to the Book of James during her quiet times.
While the kids argue over what movies to watch on their long drives,
Jane grows increasingly impatient to achieve the peace she feels promised by God for her grim perseverance,
until an unexpected encounter in outback Coober Pedy changes her understanding completely.
Raw, luminous, and at times hilarious, Travels of a Wimpy Mum is a piercingly relatable memoir,
essential reading for anyone muddling out their faith in the relentlessness of family life.
INCLUDES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR BOOK CLUBS OR BIBLE STUDY.
Vanessa Foran is a clinical psychologist with an interest in the connection between wellbeing and the Christian faith.
Travels of a Wimpy Mum is a memoir of her family's travels through the outback and is her first book.
REVIEWS:
The idea of inserting the extracts from the children's diaries is a very good one.
There are times when their comments are unconsciously - or perhaps consciously - truly funny.
Vanessa writes very engagingly, and it is a great strength
that means many, many readers with families will closely identify with her.
- Adrian Plass Best-selling Author of The Sacred Diary series
Luis
*****
I love the book
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on April 27, 2024
Shines with the brilliance of five stars, emerging as a radiant beacon of inspiration.
Together with the author, readers will experience a profound journey
as she skilfully and gracefully navigates the ups and downs of motherhood
with unwavering faith, humor and grace.
DavidG1995
*****
Highly recommend
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on March 26, 2024
Travels of a Wimpy Mum is like taking a journey with a close friend
who’s both hilarious and deeply introspective.
You’ll laugh at her mishaps and marvel at the stunning outback scenery she describes.
But what shines is her honesty about the struggles of parenting and finding self-worth.
It’s a touching reminder of how faith can lead us to embrace our flaws and find greater acceptance.
Highly recommend this heartfelt and funny read!
Kiran
*****
A hilarious and heartfelt journey through the Australian outback
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on April 25, 2024
This memoir is truly a treasure that captivated me right from the start.
It takes you on a journey of emotions, mixing moments of joyous laughter
with thoughtful reflections on the trials of raising children
and finding serenity within oneself.
Whether you’re a parent facing the hurdles of family life or just looking for a heartwarming read,
this book will surely brighten your day. I can’t praise it enough!
Trusted Mumma
*****
Soooo relateable
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on April 24, 2024
What Aussie family (especially the Mums) can’t relate to this gem?
An extended family adventure, juggling family life, marital harmony
and internal wrestle of thoughts, feelings and appreciation of scripture.
What the author gets so right, is the authenticity of her writing, and journey through James.
I found myself relating very much to her internal dialogue and questioning.
It is so well done, and incredibly funny.
'This is so much more than simply a story about a family trip around Australia.
It's about family and faith, marriage and mental health, adventure and honesty.
Most of all, it's about failure, success, and learning to find yourself in the love of God.'
- Cecily Paterson Author of Love, Tears &Autism
The journey through the book of James brought a stark realisation to the reader –
faith and the Kingdom life cannot be interchanged.
It showed the power of perseverance and the beauty of seeing God in every space.
Vanessa's writing has made me consider how the scripture is being lived out in my own life.
It is beautiful exploration of faith seamlessly interwoven with the tapestry of daily life –
encouraging us all to consider how faith is manifested in our own lives.
- Reverend Peter Neilsen, Senior Pastor, Kilsyth South Baptist Church
Vanessa is someone I have always found engaging and willing to discuss the everyday issues in a way that is honest and thought provoking. In her book, Travels of a Wimpy Mum, these positive traits of Vanessa shine through in her writing along with her love for Jesus. As you read this book you will be taken on an adventure which will be deeply enjoyable but will also find yourself relating to different aspects within your own life's journey. I thoroughly recommend Vanessa and her book, Travels of a Wimpy Mum.
- Reverend Tim Dyer, Minister, Syndal Baptist Church
The author writes aloud things we normally only think - and works through her faith in a far more relevant, real-life way than most church sermons. A fond reminder of the Diaries of Adrian Plass, this book helps us approach our life with more calm, trust and generosity of spirit. Read it to your kids as you plan your next family adventure – if you dare!
- Susy Lee, prize-winning author of 'Raising Kids Who Care'.
Vanessa's storytelling is filled with relatable characters, moments of triumph, and moments of heartbreak, making her book a captivating and emotionally charged journey from start to finish. Her spiritual journey is artfully woven into the narrative, adding depth and meaning to the story and inviting us to view James 1:2-4 from a fresh perspective while encouraging reflection on our own life experiences.
- Vanessa Lister (MBA, MIML)
Travels of a Wimpy Mum is an uplifting read, infused with gentle humour. Jane’s perspective on life will resonate with many, while her husband, Hamish provides a grounding force of reason. Join Jane and her family on this engaging travelogue adventure that’s sure to warm your heart and inspire you to think about life differently.
- Nerissa Bentley, The Melbourne Health Writer